Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a campaign rally at Forest Hills Stadium in New York City on October 26, 2025. HEATHER KHALIFA/AP
In American politics, early November has always been a revealing time. Speculative bubbles burst, polls are tested and citizens head to the polls. One year after Donald Trump's decisive presidential victory, several special elections in November will be closely watched. Beyond local peculiarities, they will help gauge both the level of discontent with the current administration and the Democrats' ability to reverse their dramatic loss of credibility.
The paradox of the moment lies in the fact that the left could see positive results, despite being scattered, demoralized and lacking both a clear leader and a unified message.
A double revolt is brewing. The first is directed against Trump, taking shape in the streets through rallies held across the country by the "No Kings" movement, whose latest demonstration took place on October 18. It reflects a rejection of the administration's authoritarian ambitions. The second revolt is internal: The party base is rising up against the Democratic establishment.
